SECTION: 2

Central Area Committee 11^th November 2004	ITEM NO: 2
APPLICATION NO: 04/P/2188/RG3	TARGET DATE: 11-OCT-2004
APPLICATION: Installation of flood lights to existing tennis courts
SITE ADDRESS: Backwell School, Station Road, Backwell
PARISH/WARD: Backwell		WARD COUNCILLOR(S): Mrs Baker & Burden

The following plan is for illustrative purposes only, and cannot be guaranteed to be up to date or to scale.

LOCATION PLAN: (This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office c. Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. North Somerset Council, LA09063L,2001)

2. 04/P/2188/RG3 Installation of floodlights to existing tennis courts at Backwell School, Station Road, Backwell

(GR 48617 68959) Tessa Connolly

Council application

Site Description

Backwell School is situated off Station Road in Backwell and covers a site area of 12.8 hectares. The original school was constructed in 1954 and 1969 and since then many subsequent temporary classrooms have been erected around the site. The site is bounded by residential properties on three sides and has an open aspect over the tennis courts, playing fields and agricultural land to the east. The tennis courts the subject of this application are located close to the eastern boundary of the school

Relevant Planning History

Year	Reference	Proposal	Decision
2004 2002 2002	04/P/2129/F 02/P/1371/RG3 0202/P/1047/RG3	New reception and teacher training room 1 Elliott classroom unit Single storey extension to science room	Approve Approve Approve

The Application

This application proposes the erection of 20 floodlights around the perimeter of the existing 8 tennis/netball courts. These will be lighting fixtures specifically designed for sports facilities. The proposed lighting columns measure 6 metres in height and will have two adjustable lights on each pole. Each light has a shroud around the bulb to minimise light pollution and to direct light onto the courts.

Policy Framework

The site lies within the Settlement Boundary for Backwell and adjoins the Green Belt.

The main relevant policies are as follows:

Development Plan

North Somerset Local Plan (NSLP)

Policy CON/1 Development should be compatible with its surroundings in terms of height, scale, density, massing, landscaping and materials used.

Policy ENV/2 Permission will be granted for artificial lighting provided that it does not harm the character and appearance of the area or harm the amenities of neighbouring properties.

Consultations

Third Parties: A joint letter of objection has been received from some residents in Meadow Close. The principal planning points made are as follows:

· The introduction of floodlights to the tennis courts will mean additional movement of vehicles during the evening and nights, which will cause additional noise and fumes unless alternative parking can be provided.

· Hours of operation of lights should be restricted and controlled.

Backwell Parish Council: “Resolved that no objection be made”

Planning Issues

The principal planning issues in this case are (a) the impact of the flood lights on the character and appearance of the area and the living conditions of nearby residents (b) the impact of any increase in activity and vehicular traffic at the school

Issue 1: The impact of the flood lights on the character and appearance of the area and the living conditions of nearby residents

The tennis courts are over 50 metres away from the boundaries of the nearest residential properties on Farleigh Close and over 80 metres from the properties themselves. The lighting levels and technical specifications submitted with the plans have been assessed by officers in the Council’s Technical Services section who have confirmed they are within the permitted levels in terms of impact on the nearest residential properties and light spillage generally. The information provided with the application confirms that any light spillage will be confined to an area immediately around the courts. There may be some glare experienced by some properties but given the distance involved it is unlikely to significantly harm the living conditions of these properties. It is also noted that the lights can be adjusted if any problems should arise. A condition is recommended to control the hours during which the floodlighting can be operated.

The lighting columns are considered to be of an acceptable design and will not be obtrusive. The character and appearance of the surrounding area and the visual amenities of the adjacent Green Belt will not be adversely affected. The proposal is considered to be in accordance with policy ENV/2 of the North Somerset Local Plan.

Issue 2: The effect of the increase in activity and vehicular traffic

The proposal is likely to result in an increased use of the tennis courts in the evening. However, it is considered that any increase in use of this sports facility and associated traffic movements will not result in such a significant level harm to those residents living around the school grounds so as to warrant refusal of planning permission.

Conclusion

It is considered that the proposed floodlights will not harm the character or appearance of the area or harm the living conditions of neighbouring properties. The proposal is in accordance with Policy ENV/2 of the North Somerset Local Plan.

RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE subject to the following conditions: -

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiry of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: In accordance with the provisions of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in complete accordance with the approved plans and specifications (unless amended plans and specifications are first submitted to and approved, in writing, by the Local Planning Authority).

Reason: The Local Planning Authority wishes to ensure that the development conforms with the approved amended plans and that any proposed alterations are the subject of prior approval in accordance with Policy CON/1 of the North Somerset Local Plan.

3. The lighting hereby approved shall only be switched on between 08.00 hours and 22.00 hours on any day of the week.

Reason : To ensure that the living conditions of nearby residents are not impaired in accordance with Policy ENV/2 of the North Somerset Local Plan.

4. The position and angle of the floodlights shall at all times accord with the lighting contour/lighting level details as indicated on drawing No. 185/EO1 Rev. A. Should any alterations to the lighting be proposed, details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To prevent light pollution in accordance with Policy ENV/2 of the North Somerset Local Plan.